Oakland Raiders QB Carson Palmer suffers broken ribs, bruised lung

ALAMEDA -- Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer will not play in Sunday's regular-season finale after suffering broken ribs and a bruised lung against the Carolina Panthers.

Coach Dennis Allen, however, did not tip his hand about who would start in Palmer's place against the San Diego Chargers -- veteran Matt Leinart or second-year player Terrelle Pryor.

Palmer was taken to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley as soon as the Raiders landed in Oakland on Sunday night, where he spent the night under observation. He was released Monday afternoon.

Leinart took over when Palmer was injured late in the first quarter with the Panthers leading 7-0. He led the Raiders to two field goals in the 17-6 loss.

Pryor played three snaps.

"Our plan right now is to work both of them this week," Allen said, "and then we'll see how practice goes. Later in the week, we'll be ready to name a starter."

Allen said the Raiders will not sign another quarterback between now and Sunday's game, leaving punter Shane Lechler the No. 3 quarterback.

Allen called Pryor "a work in progress," adding that he works hard in practice and is making strides toward earning more playing time. On Sunday, Allen said Pryor isn't ready to be the backup just yet.

On Monday, Allen added: "I don't know that he's got full command of everything that we're doing. But I wouldn't expect a lot different out of any other young quarterback. He's got to continue to work, and he's done a nice job."

Advertisement

Allen gave players Monday off. Therefore, Pryor and others weren't available for comment.

Palmer on Sunday got drilled from behind on a helmet-to-back hit by Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy as he prepared to throw a pass from the right side of the field.

Hardy was penalized 15 yards for roughing the passer on the play. Palmer stayed down for several minutes while being tended to by team athletic trainers.

Palmer started the first 15 games this season and passed for 4,018 yards, with 22 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He joined Rich Gannon as the only Raiders players to pass for 4,000 yards or more in a season.

The incident from Sunday's game in which Panthers quarterback Cam Newton bumped referee Jerome Boger is being reviewed by the league office.

Newton took umbrage with the way he was tackled by Raiders safety Mike Mitchell and yelled at Boger. In the process, Newton bumped Boger.

Boger penalized Newton for "disrespectfully addressing" an official. He added that Newton's contact with him was not of "malicious nature." Newton apologized to Boger after the game.

The Raiders are assured of finishing in third place in the AFC West, regardless how they fare against the Chargers. That means they will host the third-place team from the AFC North (Pittsburgh Steelers) next season and play on the road against the third-place team from the AFC East (Miami Dolphins or New York Jets).

Their 14 other games are: Denver Broncos, Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, home and away; Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins at home; Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants on the road.

The Chiefs and Jaguars will pick first and second in the 2013 NFL draft. The Raiders are one of three teams at 4-11. The Raiders would pick third if they wind up tied with the Eagles and Lions, the two other 4-11 teams, based on a weaker strength-of-schedule.

It's conceivable that the Raiders could wind up as one of seven teams in a tie at 5-11. If so, it's likely that they still would get the No. 3 pick.

The Raiders have allowed 419 points through their first 15 games. They need to hold the Chargers to 13 or fewer if they are to better last season's total.

Strong safety Tyvon Branch (ankle), cornerback Phillip Adams (groin) and right guard Mike Brisiel (concussion) emerged from the Panthers game at less than full strength. They are questionable for the Chargers game.

"I don't think this is the time," Allen said. "We do have one game left. There will be time to assess all aspects of the organization, coaching staff included. We'll do that at some point after the season."